Building Accessibility Into Our Communities
We’re not just solving individual accessibility problems. We’re working to improve the systems behind them.
ciAccess connects people, municipalities, businesses, and organizations across Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard, and Nantucket with the knowledge, resources, partnerships, and funding opportunities they need to create lasting accessibility improvements.
We need people, expertise, partnerships, and financial support to make it happen.
Help us build a more accessible Cape & Islands.
What Does an ADA Coordinator Do?
Accessibility is a shared responsibility across all municipal departments. The ADA Coordinator works to facilitate and coordinate these efforts, rather than owning all the work individually.
Coordinate Compliance Efforts
Managing the municipality's overall efforts to comply with ADA Title II, ensuring programs and services are accessible to all residents through inter-departmental collaboration.
Facilitate Accommodations
Helping residents and employees request and receive necessary accommodations by working closely with HR, department heads, and facilities staff.
Maintain Grievance Procedures
Ensuring there is a clear, public process for resolving complaints, acting as the bridge between the public and municipal leadership to improve accessibility.
Self-Evaluations & Plans
Supporting the evaluation of municipal programs and maintaining the Transition Plan by coordinating input from public works, planning, and recreation.
Inter-Departmental Coordination
Working across departments to integrate accessibility into all planning and activities, reinforcing that accessibility is a shared responsibility.
Accessible Communication
Promoting accessible communication methods and helping IT and website staff implement standards for digital and physical information access.
Your First 30 Days as an ADA Coordinator
You do not need to become an ADA expert overnight. Start with the basics.
1. Learn your role
Understand what an ADA Coordinator does and what the role does not require you to do alone.
2. Review the ADA Title II Action Guide
Use the ADA National Network guide to understand the bigger picture of municipal ADA responsibilities.
3. Confirm public contact information
Make sure residents know who to contact for accommodation requests or accessibility concerns.
4. Find your municipality’s ADA documents
Look for your ADA Notice, grievance procedure, Self-Evaluation, and Transition Plan.
5. Attend MOD Office Hours
Use Massachusetts Office on Disability office hours to ask questions and learn from other ADA Coordinators.
6. Meet your Commission on Disability
If your municipality has a Commission on Disability, introduce yourself and learn what issues they are already tracking.
7. Bookmark CIAC’s Municipal Accessibility Resource Center
Use CIAC’s resource center to find official guidance, funding opportunities, training, and tools.
8. Ask for help when you need it
If you are unsure where to begin, CIAC can help you identify priorities and next steps.
Ongoing ADA Coordinator Support
Once you understand the basics of the ADA Coordinator role, ongoing training and technical assistance can help you build confidence, stay current, and strengthen accessibility across your municipality.
ADA Coordinator Training Certification Program
A national ADA Coordinator training certification program offered through the ADA National Network, Great Plains ADA Center, and University of Missouri.
Audience: ADA Coordinators seeking structured training
Type: Certification / Training
Source: ADA National Network
New England ADA Center / Institute for Human Centered Design
Regional ADA technical assistance for Massachusetts and New England, based at the Institute for Human Centered Design.
Audience: Massachusetts ADA Coordinators, municipal staff, accessibility professionals
Type: Technical Assistance / Training
Source: New England ADA Center / IHCD
Massachusetts Architectural Access Board (AAB)
The Massachusetts Architectural Access Board develops and enforces the state’s accessibility regulations (521 CMR), provides guidance on accessible design, and reviews requests for variances from accessibility requirements.
Audience: ADA Coordinators, Building Commissioners, Facilities Directors, Architects, Engineers, Municipal Leaders, Commissions on Disability
Type: Guidance / Regulations
Source: Massachusetts Architectural Access Board
Not Sure What Training You Need Next?
Every ADA Coordinator’s role looks a little different depending on the municipality. CIAC can help you identify which training, resources, and technical assistance options are most relevant to your town.